Cass County, ND (trfnews.i234.me) – A Fargo man has been charged with felony endangerment by fire after admitting to setting his own basement apartment ablaze, displacing all residents in the five-unit building located at 1202 1st Avenue North.
Larry J. Desjarlais was arrested on-site after the fire completely gutted his basement unit and caused fire, water, and severe smoke damage throughout the structure. Resident Kristina Flores, who lived upstairs, described being the only one awake when the fire started. She recalled the intense smoke, dialing 911, and trying to help with a hose, only to find Desjarlais calmly packing a bag outside as the fire raged behind him.
“All for a senseless act,” Flores said, emotionally describing the damage and the forced evacuation of every tenant, including those with children. The American Red Cross provided temporary housing support.
The estimated damage exceeds $70,000, and power to the building remains disconnected due to safety concerns.
I’m Chris Harper reporting for TRF News